Insiders’ look at Huskies

Published: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 5:30 a.m. CST

DeKALB – Ever wonder what it’s like to play on an NFL team? Want to hear what goes into putting together a college football game plan? Want to get together with a group of guys and talk Huskie football?

On Friday, April 18, Northern Illinois University Athletics will hold the second annual Xs and Os With the Pros Men’s Football Clinic from 5-9 p.m. in the Jeffrey and Kimberly Yordon Center. NIU Head Football Coach Rod Carey and his staff will welcome a lineup of current and former Huskies who bring an impressive list of football accomplishments that led to successful NFL careers.

Headlining the list of pros for the 2014 event is Super Bowl winning offensive tackle and 10-year NFL player Ryan Diem, and former Chicago Bears running back and Chicago native Garrett Wolfe. Sycamore native Jason Schepler, who was signed by the Tennessee Titans this offseason, will be on hand, as will former NIU tight end Brad Cieslak, who played for the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns during a four-year NFL career. In addition, Dan Graham, an NIU center who played for the Tampa Bay Bucs in 1989, will offer a more “historical” perspective on the league.

The pros will visit with participants during the social portion of the program, from 5-6 p.m., which includes a full buffet and refreshments by Buffalo Wild Wings. The pros will then participate in a Q&A session. In addition, guests can go into meeting rooms with the Huskie football coaches and see a film breakdown of their positions, providing a true insiders’ look into college football.

Cost for the Xs and Os with the Pros Clinic is $125. In addition to the Buffalo Wild Wings food and beverages, a behind-the-scenes tour of the locker room and Chessick Practice Center, the breakout session and pre-and post-game speeches from Carey, attendees will receive a unique NIU football gift. There will also be a silent auction with exclusive memorabilia. Proceeds from the Xs and Os with the Pros event benefit NIU football.

Space is limited. Register by calling 815-753-PACK (7225) or email huskieathleticfund@niu.edu for more information.

The NIU Football 101 Ladies Clinic will be back for the fifth consecutive year on Wednesday, July 30. NIUHuskies.com and the NIU Huskies Facebook page will have complete information closer to that date.